The problem with memory foam mattresses. And how we solved it.

Nov 2, 2016By Jeanne

Nov. 2016.

Today is a proud day at Reverie®. After years of intense development, we’re launching a whole new line of Hybrid memory foam mattresses. They are an upgrade to memory foam mattresses in almost every conceivable way. They unflinchingly throw cool shade on the problem of memory foam heat while also adding more durability and hypoallergenic properties. Before we get into all the details, a little perspective.

A short history on memory foam

Memory foam, sometimes called visco elastic foam, was invented in the 1960s by America’s leading public source of science and technology. Namely, NASA. They needed seats that would help relieve the immense pressure on the bodies of astronauts from G forces. The material needed to be soft enough to cushion, but strong and dense enough not to disintegrate. Charles Yost, a subcontractor, came up with the material that has become known as memory foam. It worked, because it had the dual properties of being both dense and malleable. Memory foam changed properties with heat, then gradually reverted back once heat was removed. Yost called it Temper foam, alluding to the heat which made the material work but eventually became its nemesis.

1965 rocket. Photo credit: NASA.

In the ensuing years, memory foam found many applications. It was used for crash protection in NASCAR, in bumper cars at amusement parks, for rafts that would not sink, even in the fashion industry for shoes and custom dressmaker forms. But predominantly, the medical industry saw its potential. It was a major breakthrough in helping to prevent bedsores. And it also worked great for custom devices for people confined to wheelchairs or in need of prosthetics. However, Temper foam remained pricey.

Memory foam meets mattress

In the 1980s, NASA released the technology to the public. Most people wouldn’t touch it, because it was complicated to make. But in 1992 a Swedish company solved the riddle and started making memory foam mattresses, which they called Tempurpedic. The mattresses became very popular, causing other companies to get into the memory foam game. Competition made the material more affordable.

For years, Reverie has resisted the push to come out with a memory foam option. That is because, although memory foam feels great to many people, that love affair often didn’t last long. You climb into bed, and the mattress starts molding to your body, relieving pressure points and feeling awesome. But after a few hours, things change. People wake up in the middle of the night with hot memory foam conforming to their bodies, making them sweat. That’s because the way memory foam molds to your body is through heat. And most memory foam mattresses are dense, 8-10” slabs of foam, which don’t allow heat to pass through. The heat from your body is absorbed into the mattress and has nowhere to go. Sweat city.

Trying to beat the heat

Over the years, mattress companies have tried various things to solve the heat problem. For a while, open cell technology was the rage, i.e., putting more air into the foam during the manufacturing process. This didn’t help much, since memory foam is a very dense material. Heat continued to be a problem. In recent years, companies have been coating memory foam with gel. Another poor solution. First of all, while the gel may be cool to start, like memory foam, it also heats up after your body has been in contact with it for a while. Another downside? Gel eventually turns into beadsand separates from the memory foam. Other companies have tried gluing lots of different layers of materials together. But too much glue is a barrier, also trapping heat from escaping.

So what’s a mattress company to do?

Being Reverie, we love a challenge. Truth be told, it took a while to solve this longstanding problem, due to our perfectionist tendencies. But, happily, now we have.

How? By tackling it from every angle.

Our new Hybrids. Memory foam comfort combined with latex cool.

We started by putting a layer of all-natural OEKO-TEX®-certified latex between you and the memory foam. Not only is this layer made with small holes to let heat escape, the natural latex itself is temperature neutral. Below the latex, the whole point of it all … a layer of premium, CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam for that velvety comfort people love.

So far, so good. But what about that heat that gradually builds up during the night? On a Reverie mattress, we cut the heat off at the pass. It doesn’t get the chance to build up, because in our Hybrid line, we retained our patented DreamCell™ construction. Instead of a dense monolithic 8-10” slab of foam, we have a support system which uses our little DreamCell foam springs underneath. Hundreds of them within the mattress, each one with holes in the middle, allowing air to circulate around and through each spring. This makes a huge difference.

In addition, we topped off each mattress cover by finishing it with Feran Ice® technology for maximum moisture wicking. The Dream Supreme II comfort layer also has graphite infusion for further aeration.

Quality beyond heat moderation

By adding significant amounts of latex, we’ve not only reduced the heat, we’ve also added more hypoallergenic qualities to the mattress as well as increased the durability. Latex is naturally dust mite and antimicrobial. It also is the most durable mattress material currently on the market. And a word about our OEKO-TEX® and CertiPUR-US® certifications. We make all of our foams in the United States. This is the only way currently to guarantee the quality and purity of the materials used as well as the safety of the manufacturing process. What does this mean? Our latex is certified to be 100% natural rubber. And none of our foams contain mercury, formaldehyde or phthalates. They’re low VOC and also made without chemicals that deplete the ozone. You can buy a Reverie mattress with confidence.

Maximum comfort in a memory foam and natural latex hybrid mattress. Features a 1” layer of all-natural OEKO-TEX®-certified Talalay latex infused with graphite for extra aeration and plushness. Underneath is a 2” layer of quality CertiPUR®-certified memory foam. Comfort layer is supported by our proprietary DreamCell™ system of 6” OEKO-TEX certified breathable natural latex foam springs. Firmness is customizable on both left and right sides. Foam springs are reconfigurable. Available online or at retailers. Learn more.

Outstanding comfort in a memory foam and natural latex hybrid mattress. Features a .5” layer of all-natural OEKO-TEX-certified Talalay latex. Underneath that is a 2” layer of quality CertiPUR-certified memory foam. Comfort layer is supported by our proprietary DreamCell system of 6” OEKO-TEX certified breathable natural latex foam springs. Firmness is customizable on both left and right sides. Foam springs are reconfigurable. Available online or at retailers. Learn more .

Superb comfort in an accessible memory foam and natural latex hybrid mattress. Features a 1” layer of all-natural OEKO-TEX-certified Talalay latex. Underneath that is a 2” layer of quality CertiPUR-certified memory foam. Comfort layer is supported by our proprietary DreamCell system, with 8 rows of 3” foam springs in the torso region to let heat escape. Firmness is customizable on both left and right sides. Available online or at retailers. Learn more.

Affordable luxury in a memory foam and natural latex hybrid mattress. Features a .5” layer of all-natural OEKO-TEX-certified Talalay latex. Underneath that is a 2” layer of quality CertiPUR-certified memory foam. Comfort layer is supported by our proprietary DreamCell system, with 5 rows of 3” foam springs in the torso region to let heat escape. Firmness is customizable on both left and right sides. Available at retailers.

Impressed by our new Hybrids, but still interested in an all-natural latex mattress? No worries, we’ve retained our classic Natural latex line. It’s gotten a big upgrade this month, too. For more details on that, click here.

We couldn’t be more excited to launch both lines and are thrilled at allthe retailerswho’ve signed up to bring them to you. And, of course, we sell a selection of them online, too, in Reverie Sleep Systems. If you have any questions, please call 888.888.5990 or hit the chat button at the bottom left. Our Sleep Specialists are here to give you friendly and knowledgeable answers on any and all questions.